Tsavo East is part of the Tsavo Conservation Area, which together with Tsavo West covers more than 20,000 km² — one of the largest protected areas in Africa. Its flat, semi-arid plains feel wild and uncrowded, and it is conveniently close to the coast, making it a natural stop on a safari-and-beach itinerary.
The park’s elephants dust themselves with the region’s red soil, giving them their distinctive colour. Mudanda Rock, a 1.6 km outcrop above a seasonal dam, draws elephants to drink in the dry season, and the Lugard Falls rapids on the Galana River are an easy stop between game drives.
Highlights
- Red-dusted elephant herds
- Mudanda Rock and Aruba Dam
- Lugard Falls on the Galana River
- Very few vehicles
Wildlife & what you'll see
- Elephant
- Lion (including maneless males)
- Fringe-eared oryx and lesser kudu
- Buffalo, zebra and giraffe
Things to do
- Game drives
- Walk at Lugard Falls
- Sundowners on the plains
Best time to visit
June to October and January to March, when animals gather at permanent water sources.
Getting there
By road from Mombasa or Diani via the Bachuma or Buchuma gates, or from Tsavo West via the Manyani gate.
Experiences in Tsavo East
FAQs about Tsavo East
Why are Tsavo's elephants red?
They dust-bathe in the iron-rich red soil to protect their skin from sun and insects.
